The programme is presented by The Royal Opera's Music Director Antonio Pappano, who conducted Wagner's Ring Cycle at the start of this Season, and explores Wagner’s epic composition and its impact. It features Bryn Terfel, John Tomlinson, Susan Bullock and Sarah Connolly, all of whom performed in Keith Warner’s production earlier this Season.

BBC Radio 3 will also broadcast a selection operas from across the 2012/13 season, including Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, starring Simon Keenlyside and Krassimira Stoyanova; George Benjamin’s Written on Skin, which received rave reviews on its premiere in March; and a live relay of Benjamin Britten’s Gloriana. Performances from previous Royal Opera Seasons will also be broadcast as part of the Verdi and Wagner bicentenary celebrations. See below for full details.